Trump warns that Hurricane Florence will be 'tremendously big and tremendously wet'

As the East Coast prepares for Hurricane Florence to bear down, President Trump is warning that people in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia should "be prepared, be careful, and be safe."
The Category 4 storm is sure to be "tremendously big and tremendously wet," he told reporters Tuesday, adding that "tremendous amounts of water" would hit the region. Trump said the federal government is "ready" for the hurricane, adding that emergency funding may be appropriated. "Congress will be generous, because we have no choice," he said.
The states that will likely be affected "will be in great shape," Trump continued, noting that "unlike Puerto Rico," eastern states have strong power grids that can withstand more damage. Speaking of Puerto Rico, Trump reflected on what he learned from last year's devastating Hurricane Maria, which killed nearly 3,000 people.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"I think Puerto Rico was incredibly successful," Trump said of the federal government's response to the storm. "I actually think it was one of the best jobs that's ever been done." He called the recovery effort an "incredible unsung success," and said the administration had gotten "a lot of thanks" for its handling of the disaster. Watch his full comments below, via MSNBC. Summer Meza
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
July 5 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Saturday’s political cartoons include an extrajudicial detainment camp, 'alligator Alcatraz', and tax cuts for billionaires.
-
5 explosively funny cartoons about the 4th of July
Cartoons Artists take on liberty and justice for all, a terrifying firework, and more
-
Jeff in Venice: a "triumph of tackiness"?
In the Spotlight Locals protest as Bezos uses the city as a 'private amusement park' for his wedding celebrations
-
Judge blocks Trump's asylum ban at US border
Speed Read The president violated federal law by shutting down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers, said the ruling
-
Thai court suspends prime minister over leaked call
Speed Read Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended, pending an ethics investigation
-
Senate passes GOP megabill after Alaska side deal
The pivotal yes vote came from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose support was secured following negotiated side deals for her home state Alaska
-
Trump sues LA over immigration policies
Speed Read He is suing over the city's sanctuary law, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities
-
Obama, Bush and Bono eulogize USAID on final day
Speed Read The US Agency for International Development, a humanitarian organization, has been gutted by the Trump administration
-
The last words and final moments of 40 presidents
The Explainer Some are eloquent quotes worthy of the holders of the highest office in the nation, and others... aren't
-
Senate advances GOP bill that costs more, cuts more
Speed Read The bill would make giant cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, leaving 11.8 million fewer people with health coverage
-
Canadian man dies in ICE custody
Speed Read A Canadian citizen with permanent US residency died at a federal detention center in Miami